Senior (65 years old or older) Discounts and Benefits
CITY OF CHICAGO
Senior Services
A variety of support services are available citywide to address the diverse needs and interests of older adults, from those who are active and healthy to those residing in long-term care facilities and seniors who are fragile and may be confined at home.
Chicago Seniors Connected Brochure – Spring 2023 (March-May)
Please see the Chicago Seniors Connected brochure for flyers and information on the following:
- Food Boxes for Older Adults (60+) and Grandparents or Older Relatives (55+)
- Raising Children (under 18 or loved one with a disability 19-59)
- Food Pantries List
- Home Delivered Meals/Meals on Wheels Program (for homebound seniors; assessment required)
- Senior Centers & Congregate Dining Sites (for hot lunch meals)
- Monthly Senior Center Pop-Up Produce Markets (in partnership with Meals on Wheels and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois)
Senior Citizen Sewer Service Charge Exemption & Rebate
The Senior Citizen Sewer Exemption entitles seniors aged 65 or over, residing in their own residence with separate metered water service or a separate city water assessment for that residential unit, to an exemption from payment of the sewer service charge for their residence. This exemption provides substantial savings to seniors.
Senior Citizens, who own and occupy their own residence, but who are not eligible for the Senior Citizen Sewer Charge Exemption due to property type, can apply for the Senior Citizen Sewer Rebate. This provides an annual $50 rebate in lieu of the exemption.
For eligibility and to apply, visit https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/fin/provdrs/utility_billing/svcs/apply-for-utility-charge-exemptions.html.
Shared Cost Sidewalk Program
The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is an extremely popular voluntary program in which property owners share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. This popular program consists of low cost, exceptional value, and ease of participation. The program’s cost per square foot charged to property owners is well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify for a further discounted rate.
Applications are taken in early January on a first-come, first-served basis and only accepted through the City’s 311 system by calling 311 or through the City’s service request website 311.chicago.gov. The property owner’s contact information and the property address are required at the time of the request. Please call the office in December with an update as to when the program will open in January.
For more information, visit www.chicago.gov.
CITY CLERK
Senior Discount City Sticker
Per City Ordinance, residents that meet the requirements are eligible to purchase one discounted City Sticker at $33.68 per year for a Passenger (P), Large Passenger (LP) or Motorbike (MB) and one discounted City Sticker at $141.75 per year for a Small Truck (ST).
For requirements and restrictions, visit https://www.chicityclerk.com/faq/seniors-65.
COOK COUNTY ASSESSOR’S OFFICE
Senior Citizen Homestead Exemption
Seniors can save, on average, up to $300 a year in property taxes, and up to $750 when combined with the Homeowner Exemption. The applicant must have owned and occupied the property as of January 1 and must have been 65 years of age or older during the tax year in question. The Assessor’s Office now automatically renews Senior Citizen Exemptions for properties that were not sold to new owners in the last year.
Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Exemption
Qualified senior citizens can apply for a freeze of the assessed value of their property. Over time, in many areas, this program results in taxes changing minimally and often decreasing as surrounding properties continue to rise in assessed value. This is the most valuable homeowner exemption program. The value increases over the years as it eliminates the impact of regular reassessment increases that may occur every three years. This exemption usually requires annual renewal but will be auto-renewed this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For eligibility requirements regarding the Senior Citizen Homestead and Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze Exemptions, visit www.cookcountyassessor.com.
COOK COUNTY TREASURER’S OFFICE
Senior Citizen Garbage Fee Discount
No application is required. If a customer is currently receiving the Cook County Senior Citizen Assessment Freeze, the Senior Garbage Fee Discount will be automatically applied to their utility bill.
For more information, visit www.chicago.gov.
For more information on the Cook County Senior Freeze, visit www.cookcountytreasurer.com.
Senior Citizen Tax Deferral
The household income limit to participate in this program has increased to $55,000. This program works like a loan from the State of Illinois to qualified senior citizens, with an annual interest rate of 6%. Any portion or all (up to $5,000 per year) of the tax may be deferred until the house is sold or until the death of the taxpayer.
To apply, contact the Cook County Treasurer’s Office at 312.443.5100 or visit www.cookcountytreasurer.com.
SECRETARY OF STATE
Super Seniors
Super Seniors is a convenient and voluntary program for driver’s license renewal, which includes Rules of the Road classroom instruction, and a vision-screening exam. The Rules of the Road Review Course also includes a review of safe driving techniques and Illinois driving laws.
For more information, visit www.ilsos.gov.
Reduced Fee License Plate
The Department on Aging’s Benefit Access Program, formerly known as the Circuit Breaker Program, allows for the Secretary of State’s office to provide for a reduced-fee license plate aimed toward senior citizens and persons with disabilities with specific qualifications.
ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF AGING
Benefits Access Program Benefits
- Seniors Ride Free Transit Benefit
- Persons with Disabilities Free Transit Ride
- Secretary of State License Plate Discount
To be determined eligible for these benefits, you must submit a Benefit Access Application on the Internet. Paper applications are not available. Please note that the current processing time to determine the eligibility of your Benefits Access Application is approximately 12 weeks.
For more information and the online application, visit www2.illinois.gov.
Senior Health Insurance Program
The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), which is a free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. Visitors will find information and resources about applying for Medicare, sites in their area that they can get assistance applying for Medicare and tools for SHIP sites around the State to utilize in serving Medicare beneficiaries.
For more information, visit www2.illinois.gov.